Chester, PA
September 15, 2021
No matter what, after losing the first leg 2-0 at Club América on August 12, 2021, Philadelphia faced an uphill battle to advance in the second leg past Club América to the CONCACAF Champions League final. The Union would have had to have a score differential of three or more, and that was unlikely no matter the status of Philadelphia’s mid-season form.
Given that backdrop, it is unsurprising that Club América tried to slow down the game and play with a condensed defense, although the team deserves credit in that its defense was all but impenetrable. Still, it was somewhat frustrating to watch the game’s timing controlled by falls, fouls and substitutions.
The Union’s best chance came in the 50th minute off of a Cory Burke pass to a wide open Kacper Przybylko. Club América’s Bruno Valdez knicked Przybylko’s heels in the box. The ref showed Valdez yellow and pointed to the spot. Philadelphia, however, was unable to convert as Jamerio Monteiro telegraphed the PK to keeper Guillermo Ochoa, who was well positioned for the shot.
At the 79th minute, Club América scored on the Union. Although Nicolas Benedetti was credited with the goal, it looked to be an own-goal or deletion off of Philadelphia’s Jakob Glesnes.
The creme on top was a second Club América goal by Henry Martin during stoppage time. Club América proceeds to the Champions League Finals after a two leg score of 4-0 over the Philadelphia Union.
Leon Flach corralling the ball from Club América’s Jorge Sánchez.
Kai Wagner going stride for stride (as he did all game long) with Club América’s Francisco Córdova.
Wagner slide tackles the ball from Córdova.
Leon Flach ably defended through the whole game, shown here with Córdova.
There seemed to be a purpose behind Glesnes’s foul on Roger Martínez, for which Glesnes was shown yellow.
Richard Sánchez is followed closely by Philadelphia’s José Martínez.
Jorge Sánchez on the ball with Jamiro Monteiro behind.
Philadelphia’s Martínez in pursuit of the eye-level ball, seen here with Alvaro Fidalgo.
Valdez denying Przybylko’s scoring opportunity, although some thought red more appropriate than yellow.
Keeper Ochoa seemed to know just where Monteiro’s PK was heading.
Cory Burke surrounded by pale yellow.
Burke again being pulled down, this time by Pedro Aquino.
Aquino garners the ball away from Daniel Gazdag, and then convinces the referee of a foul.
